Other Alcohol Offenses

Alcohol Related Charges

San Luis Obispo is a college town. Many college students are arrested or cited for alcohol related crimes, such as drunk in public, minor in possession of alcohol, possession of a fake I.D. and others. We know how important it is for a young person to avoid a criminal record which could affect a future career.

If the person is under the age of 21 at the time of their arrest or citation, a conviction for any offense involving alcohol or drugs will result in a mandatory 12 month driver’s license suspension in addition to a fine and other punishments from court. We defend clients accused of alcohol charges, such as:

• Public Intoxication (or Drunk in Public)
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol
• Possession of a Fraudulent or Altered Driver’s License
• Sales of Alcohol to a Minor
• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
• Disturbing the Peace
• And all other alcohol offenses

A Strong and Vigorous Defense Effort

Stein & Casciola will carefully review the evidence and the events leading up to the arrest. We look for every opportunity to obtain a dismissal or reduction of the charges based on evidentiary and Fourth Amendment reasons.

Alternatives to Conviction – Young Adult Deferred Entry of Judgment (YAD)

Some clients under the age of 21 may qualify for a special program where they can “earn a dismissal.” San Luis Obispo County recently established a Young Adult Deferred Entry of Judgment Program (YAD) for alcohol cases. This program was developed by Chris Casciola, one of the firm’s partners, in conjunction with the local judges and prosecutors. It is a unique program designed to educate young first-time offenders about the dangers of alcohol abuse. If a client is eligible and agrees to participate, he or she voluntarily attends eight to ten hours of education and temporarily agrees not to drive for 30 days. Once the program is completed and 30 days has elapsed the license is returned and the case is dismissed! This means the client avoids a conviction, thus keeping a clean record, and does not have their license suspended for 12 months!

For a free consultation with a lawyer from Stein & Casciola, call 1.800.892.3489 or 1.805.541.4135 or contact us online.